Reasons for War/ Just War Flashcards
What are the 3 main reasons for war?
- Greed
- Self- defence
- Retaliation
1 REASON: GREED
What do Christians think about this?
1 point + Teaching
STRENGTH…
1.) “money is a root of all kinds of evil”
2.) Not good enough reason to cause devestation.
3.) Strong: relies on The Sanctity of Life
-
What war did many Christians fight in as a form of self- defence?
- WW2, to avoid the evil threat of Hitler spreading to all of Europe.
2 REASON SELF - DEFENCE
How would Christians agreeing with this argue their point?
2 points + teaching
1.) “Love your neighbour”
2.) Want good for others.
3.) War causes less harm than current state of country/ nation
STRENGTH: protects country’s way of living.
REASON 3… RETALIATION
How would Christians disagreeing with this statement argue their point?
STrength……
2 points + teaching
1.) “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek too.”
2.) Don’t let evil get the better of you
3.) Stay patient
STRENGTH: Stops the cycle of hatred- leads to harmony
What is a “Just War?”
A war that meets international criteria of fairness.
What would most Christians say about the concept of Just War?
- If you have tried to peacefully negotiate + didn’t work, it’s okay to fight.
Only with just war criteria (nothing selfish)
What would some Christians say about the concept of Just War?
- Defends war
Pacifists would disagree
Give 4 conditions of Just War.
- Last resort
- Civilians protected
- Minimum amount of force used
- Just Cause
What is holy war?
A war fought for a religious cause and initiated by a religious leader.
Give an example of a Holy War in history.
The Crusades was a Holy War.
What do most Christians think about Holy Wars today?
They disagree with them.
They use negotiation and peacful protests
Give a quote that discourages Holy Wars.
“Those who live by the sword shall die by the sword”
People can accept what attackers are doing to them and not take action.
HOLY WARRR…
How would Christians that agree with this back up their point?
2 points + teaching?
1.) “The Lord is a Warrior”
God encourages people to protect their faith.
What is justice?
- Justice is brining about what is right and fair.
Why is justice important?
2 points
- Justice is important to create equality and not build up resentment.
- If society is just, no conflict will have to be used.
How is justice linked to peace?
- If society is always JUST, there is no need for conflict - leading to peace.
How is forgiveness linked to reconcillation?
- If you forgive someone, you are more likely to restore the relationship.
God shows love to all Christians…
What does he expect them to do with that love?
- Share out that love and live at peace where possible.
God is the perfect judge.
What must Christians do to follow his example?
Refer to scripture/ sacred writings
- Give equal rights to everyone to avoid conflict.
*Parable of Good Samaritan, everyone is neighbours regardless race.
What is the meaning of greed?
- Greed is a selfish desire for something.
What is the meaning of retaliation?
- Retaliation is deliberatelt harming a group of people after they have harmed you.
What is self- defence?
Self- defence is acting to prevent harm from yourself/ other nations.
What are the 2 MAIN REASONS Christians would avoid war?
- The Sanctity of Lfe (preserve lives)
- Mantain peace
When would most Christians think war is acceptable overall?
- When the alternative to the conflict is more damaging than the conflict itself.
JUSTICE
What do Christians say about this?
2 points + teaching
not in war, in general
1.) Justice is important as it avoids conflict
2.) Justice is a Christian’s duty
3.) In The Parable of Good Samaritan, you are everybody’s neighbour// everyone is equal.
PEACE
What do Christians say about this?
3 points + teaching?
1.) Try to keep peace if possible
2.) God shows love, we should show love too.
3.) Pray for tranquility
“Blessed are the peacemakers”
FORGIVENESS
What do Christians say about this?
2 points + teaching
1.) “Be forgiving to each other in the same way God forgave you in Christ.”
2.) Duty in Christianity
3.) Forgive to prevent war/ forgive after war
RECONICILIATION
What do Christians say about this?
3 points + teaching
1.) Try to do it after conflict
2.) “Love your enemies”
3.) Jesus died to restore relationship with God and humankind, we should follow this.
4.) Help victims of War (Red Cross.)
JUST WAR
Why is fighting in a just war a strong argument?
–> Country can defend themselves
–> avoids future conflict
—> Allows you to take action
